Updated: March 12th, 2020 @ 12:00pm
MSYSA is following the lead of both the U.S. Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer regarding the coronavirus.
At this time State Cup games scheduled for this weekend (March 14th & 15th) will go ahead as scheduled.
We also are in contact with the CDC and they have recommended the following for any outdoor activities:
- Players should bring their own individual water containers to games to eliminate the potential risk from sharing cups or bottles.
- Eliminate all handshakes, a simple wave is sufficient
- Have hand sanitizer available for the players and coaches that they can access throughout the game
- Any players, parents, coaches, or supporters with any cold or flu-like symptoms should not attend the competition.
In addition, they recommend common sense preventive actions including touching of the eyes, nose, mouth, regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects (phone) and surfaces, and washing your hands often with soap and water especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Please note, all policies regarding USYS/MSYSA activities are subject to change based on the ongoing review of circumstances. Further details regarding the impact of coronavirus on USYS/MSYSA programming will continue to be shared via official USYS/MSYSA communications channels.
March 6th, 2020: - Given current health and international travel concerns, we wanted to provide you with an overview of the steps MSYSA is taking to keep our community safe and informed.
In concern for the wellbeing and safety of our players, coaches, referees and their families, our office has been monitoring the Coronavirus situation.
We are working with US Soccer, US Youth Soccer, as well as our travel partner WorldStrides to gather additional information as it pertains to the safety of playing the game within our borders as well as traveling abroad as some of you will do in the ensuing weeks. The Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, the US State Department, FIFA and other health and security organizations are being consulted.
At this time, State Cup, Presidents Cup, and ODP training sessions will continue as scheduled. However, all ODP International Travel has been postponed until August. Please check our the International Travel page on our website for more in depth information.
Please know that we are watching the situation carefully and will continue to proactively share updates as they impact our MSYSA family. The safety and security of our soccer community is, and always will be, our highest priority!
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To reinforce health safety and best practices for illness prevention, please read the list below:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow the CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Please see the following additional resources and communications which may provide further answers to your questions.